Why is water particularly crucial for life forms?

Water is particularly crucial for life forms because it is a major constituent of their biological makeup. In fact, a significant portion of the mass of living organisms is made up of water. For instance, human bodies are composed of about 60% water, and many plants and animals have similar high-water content. This high percentage is vital for numerous physiological functions, including maintaining cell structure, facilitating biochemical reactions, transporting nutrients, and regulating body temperature.

Water also exhibits unique properties, such as a high specific heat capacity, which allows it to stabilize temperature in organisms and environments, and exceptional solvent properties, allowing it to dissolve various substances necessary for life. These characteristics enable water to support cellular metabolism and the transport of essential molecules, making it indispensable for all living organisms.